Honoring those who served has become a tradition at TJSL and the lobby was filled with the sound of TAPS and the individual anthems honoring our active duty and military veterans on Monday, November 12.

TAPS was played for those left behind and never forgotten. A table with an empty chair, candle, plate and rose was set up to honor our fallen veterans. “It is to commemorate those who have not found their way back home,” said USMC veteran Alonso Zavalasoto 2L. “But they are here in spirit.”

At the ceremony, Dean Rudy Hasl, a U.S. Army veteran who fought in Vietnam, asked everyone in the TJSL to “find a way to make a positive difference in the lives of those who have served, and their families.” Dean Hasl pointed out the Veterans Legal Assistance Clinic as one way the law school makes a difference for veterans.

Crystal Salumbides 2L who is also an Army veteran, lamented that “there are way too many homeless veterans. We must listen to their stories. It’s those stories that help us remember their calling.”

“It’s an honor to be able to recognize our veterans,” said Kasey Paquette 2L, a Navy veteran, who was the co-emcee of the ceremony along with Alonso Zavalasoto.

“I am grateful to TJSL for being so supportive of veterans,” said Zavalasoto. As the anthems of each branch of the service were played, the veterans in the audience were called forward to be recognized and they received a standing-ovation from the large turnout, each of whom wore a yellow-ribbon. The festivities ended with the cutting of a special cake – adorned with a large yellow-ribbon as well.

The ceremony was organized by the TJSL Chapter of the Student Veterans of America.